Diagnosis of Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) in an Asymptomatic Neonate on Placental Pathology

Abstract

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common intrauterine infection, with an incidence of 0.5% to 1.3% in the United States of America (USA). The majority of cCMV infections are asymptomatic at birth. In this case report, we present a full-term neonate who was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for early onset sepsis and had an incidental finding in the placenta suggestive of Cytomegalovirus infection that was later confirmed on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in the blood. The infant was further evaluated for signs of CMV infection: complete blood count (CBC), head ultrasound, audiology, and ophthalmology exams were performed that did not show any abnormality. He was discharged home with audiology, ophthalmology, primary care, and infectious disease specialties follow-up appointments. Our case emphasizes the role of placental examination in looking for evidence of CMV infection so that infants can be diagnosed as well as followed up appropriately and necessary interventions can be provided on time for the best possible outcomes.